On Monday, July 3, 2017 at approximately 1:45 P.M. a Jasper County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop in the area of US 231 and State Road 10. During the stop, the Officer detected the distinctive odor of a controlled substance emanating from the vehicle’s interior. Besides the operator of the vehicle, a 2007 Ford Taurus, there were four passengers.

The driver was identified as John M. Wood, age 29 from Wheatfield, Indiana who, when questioned consented to a search of the vehicle. A secondary Deputy arrived on scene to assist and during the search of the vehicle additional narcotics substances were located.

With this additional evidence all five occupants were taken into custody and transported to the Jasper County Law Enforcement Detention Center.

The suspects were charged as follows:

John M. Wood, age 29 Wheatfield – Possession of a Synthetic Cannabinoid – a Class A Misdemeanor and Visiting a Common Nuisance a Class A Misdemeanor, Bond was set at $9,000.00 Surety or $900.00

cash

Jacob T. Warren, age 19 of Demotte - Possession of a Synthetic Cannabinoid – a Class A Misdemeanor, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia a Class A Misdemeanor, and Visiting A Common Nuisance – A Misdemeanor, Bond was set a $9,000.00 Surety or $900.00 cash

Jamie L. Donahue, age 22 of Hebron – Possession of a Synthetic Cannabinoid – a Class A Misdemeanor, Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, Level 6 Felony, Bond was set at $12,000.00 Surety or $1,250.00 cash

Melissa M. Myers, age 25 of Wheatfield – Possession of a Synthetic Cannabinoid – a Class A Misdemeanor, Visiting a Common Nuisance, a Class A Misdemeanor, Bond was set at $9,000.00 Surety or $900.00 cash

Alexander A. Adams, age 18 of Demotte – Possession of a Synthetic Cannabinoid Level 6 Felony, Visiting a Common Nuisance, a Class A Misdemeanor, Bond was set at $9,000.00 Surety or $900.00 cash

During the investigation from the traffic stop and the located illegal substances, credible information revealed that the items had been purchased at a residence in Prairie Ridge Subdivision, west of Wheatfield, Indiana. As the exact location became known, narcotics’ investigators with the Sheriff’s Office applied for a search warrant for said location.

On Monday, July 3rd Officers of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, plus assistance from Indiana State Police and Demotte Police Department, executed a search warrant on Wild Flower Trail at approximately 4:12 P.M.

The search warrant revealed Schedule IV narcotics, methamphetamine, synthetic cannabinoid, drug paraphernalia, US currency, a loaded .40 caliber handgun, and two locked safes containing assorted narcotics. Evidence also revealed the sale of narcotics while two minor children were present in the residence. While Officers were on scene, two additional people had arrived and admitted that this was the location where they bought narcotics in the past. Those subjects were interviewed and released as they had not completed any transaction for narcotics while Officers were present.

Arrested at the Wild Flower Trail residence was Joshua A. Messinio, age 23 of Wheatfield, Indiana, charges include Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony, Dealing in a Schedule V Drug/Firearm Enhancement, a Level 4 Felony, Dealing in Schedule V (in presence of Child) a Level 4 Felony, and Possession of Synthetic Cannabinoid, Level 6 Felony. Subject is being held without bond.

Patricia A. Townsell, age 52 of Wild Flower Trail, Wheatfield (mother to Joshua Messinio) Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony, Bond was set at $9,000.00 Surety or $900.00 cash.

Sheriff Risner would like to take this time to commend the dedicated and great effort put forth by all Officers involved. These individuals were placing a community in jeopardy by their actions that involved dangerous narcotics.

Investigation continues by Jasper County Sheriff’s Narcotic Officers.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE CONSIDERED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.